The Schlimgen Award is awarded annually to recognize outstanding scholarship and exceptional research performance in the Genetics program. The award was established in memory of Genetics graduate student Katie Schlimgen, PhD 1999, by her family. During her time in the Genetics program, Katie has been described as fiercely determined and exceptionally innovative while demonstrating an intense commitment to excellence. Her work in Professor Emeritus Dr. Barry Ganetzky’s lab was both complex and influential, and she had high expectations for the lab’s output.
Siyuan received the award based on his commitment to excellence in research. The goal of Siyuan’s ambitious central research project is to assess which aspects of gene regulation evolve in conjunction with the adaptation of a natural population to a novel environment. Siyuan has 25 peer reviewed publications, has frequently collaborated with researchers in other fields, and mentors undergraduate students. Siyuan has also received a WID Kohler fellowship, which blended his love of science and music, and the CALS Louis and Elsa Thomsen Distingushed Graduate Fellowship.
The Chair’s Broader Impact Award is awarded annually to recognize outstanding service to the program, department, and/or outreach to the community.
Kevin received this award for his commitment to teaching science to others through education and outreach. During his time in the Sharp lab, Kevin mentored 13 undergraduate students and served on several departmental committees. Kevin also was an annual instructor and coach in the Biology Olympiad prep course, including development of an online course and training of national finalists. He created an “Exploring Genetics” curriculum for the Badger Precollege Accelerated Learning Program and collaborated with Nathaniel Sharp to put together a large outreach project in which 8th graders at Velma Hamilton Middle School participated. Kevin graduated in August 2025 and is currently a biology teacher at the Princeton Internaional School of Mathematics and Science in New Jeresy.